Program Manager (F/T)

Position Overview
The Program Manager is responsible for managing a significant portion of NYWC’s creative writing programs, including all of our workshops for marginalized groups in our Outreach Program. The Program Manager maintains our relationships with new and existing program partners, plans and executes NYWC’s volunteer leader training, and supports our volunteer creative writing workshop leaders. This position works closely with NYWC’s Program Director, and reports directly to the Executive Director.

This is an opportunity to have tremendous impact, through our unique creative writing programs for people that are not heard from often enough in our world.

Organization Overview
NY Writers Coalition Inc. (NYWC) empowers and enriches the lives of New Yorkers of all backgrounds and experiences through the art of creative writing. We are one of the largest community writing organizations in the country. In 2015, NYWC served nearly 1,600 people in about 1,300 workshop session at 40 locations around New York City.

Participants in our free and low-cost writing workshops in New York City become part of a community of peers, present their work publicly through NYWC’s readings and publications, and connect with broader audiences. Our workshops are particularly targeted toward underserved people, including youth, seniors, women, LGBT communities, people living with disabilities, people who are incarcerated or have been incarcerated, and others from traditionally silenced groups.

Writing and sharing their work with others in a safe atmosphere of respect and acceptance, NYWC’s writers discover the power of their own stories, gain confidence and a stronger sense of self, and become part of a creative and socially conscious community. We encourage creative writing as a long-term practice in the lives of our constituents, developing an audience and recognition of individuals’ artistic and personal value. We believe that everyone has a voice and a story and that the world is a better place when we respect, deeply listen to, and honor all of its citizens.

We believe:

Everyone is a writer, regardless of prior writing experience and formal education.

Through encouragement and support, people grow as writers and artists.

In the value of the uniqueness of every individual’s voice.

Each person’s experiences are a source of strength and power as a writer and an artist.

In creating and maintaining a non-judgmental, open and respectful community where everyone is encouraged to support and listen to each other and to take risks and grow as writers.

Each person, through writing, can shape and influence the lives of others.

We can achieve social change by providing access and opportunity for all writers, regardless of race, ethnicity, class, age, gender, sexual orientation and physical ability.

Position Responsibilities

Supervise all aspects of our creative writing programs for marginalized groups, including youth, seniors, women, LGBTQ communities, people living with disabilities, people who are incarcerated or have been incarcerated, and others from traditionally silenced groups. This includes the following duties:

Recruit, interview and train workshop leader applicants.

Supervise and assist approximately 30 volunteer workshop leaders.

Lead monthly meetings of workshop leaders and provide one-on-one support.

Form strategic partnerships and conduct outreach with New York City social service agencies and community-based organizations.

Conduct, and analyze the results of, program evaluations designed to capture the impact of our work.

Ensure that NYWC meets its quantitative programmatic goals, including numbers of workshop participants, sessions, and locations, as set forth in our 5-year strategic plan. This includes tracking numbers and making projections for future programs.

Secondary Responsibilities

Various administrative duties, including database maintenance and data entry, and event calendaring.

Develop curriculum for next level workshops to deepen and strengthen workshop participants’ craft and engagement with writing.

Occasional fundraising activities such as basic grant writing and reporting and individual donor outreach to support NYWC’s programs.

Capturing and tracking success stories, and writing content for our website and e-newsletter about our impact.

Represent NYWC to media, constituents, community members and others at conferences, panels, and networking events.

Participate in and attend NYWC events as assigned.

Other duties and projects as assigned.

Essential Skills & Education/Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Minimum three years of experience working in the non-profit sector or in a related field.

Demonstrated ability to plan and execute high quality programs or projects and manage multiple priorities.

Strong computer and technology skills, including WordPress, Microsoft Office, Facebook, Twitter and other social media. Experience with HTML, CiviCRM or similar database, Adobe Creative Suite, and Constant Contact a plus.

Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Ability to be a part of a very small staff, work independently, and learn quickly, and adapt within an extremely fast-paced, rapidly changing dynamic environment.

Candidates should expect to work occasional evening and weekend time (flex hours are arranged accordingly).

Experience/familiarity with community-based arts/writing programs or the Amherst Writers and Artists method of creative writing workshops preferred but not required

Ideal Candidate
An ideal candidate will have a genuine enthusiasm for NYWC’s mission and beliefs, will be familiar with nonprofit settings and under-served communities, will relate to people in a positive and friendly manner, and will welcome being a part of a close-knit community of writers and activists. Excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task and prioritize under pressure are highly valued.

NYWC has an ongoing commitment to the principles and practices of diversity and inclusiveness throughout the community and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance NYWC’s diversity.